Dicey is all about rebelling against traditional women’s roles, which is one of the many things that make her an awesome YA heroine. There’s a reason Dicey’s Song is still being read more than 30 years after publication: we can all relate to her, even the non-girly girls among us. No matter what pressures she experiences, she stays true to herself, refusing along the way to conform to what society tells her a girl should be.
Questions About Women and Femininity
- Would Dicey have put more effort into her apron if Miss Eversleigh had reminded her that boat sails have to be sewn, too? Why or why not?
- Gram visits Dicey’s school to find out what the other girls are wearing, and she sees that Dicey’s clothes are different. However, we never see Dicey getting teased for not dressing like the others. Why do you think they leave her alone, despite the fact that she looks so different?
- What do you imagine being a girl means to Dicey? How can you tell?
- What image of womanhood and femininity is Gram teaching Dicey?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Dicey doesn't seem to notice she's a girl, because it makes no difference to her. Yet.
Dicey already knows motherhood isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. After all, she’s had to take care of her three younger siblings, so the idea’s not as romantic to her.